Graeme Souness believes Rangers' early season struggles could unite the team and a win against Celtic might be the spark Derek McInnes needs to galvanise his stint as manager.
The Light Blues were knocked out of the Europa League and Conference League during the qualifying rounds, but have since managed to rack up four consecutive victories ahead of Sunday's Premier Sports Cup quarter-final clash against their old rivals.
Ibrox icon Souness said: "They haven’t made life easy for themselves.
"It’s been a difficult start, but if you’re going through a difficult period at a football club and there's a game to put it right, it's playing your nearest rival and beating them."
Souness is optimistic that a victory over Celtic could provide the much-needed boost for Rangers and their followers.
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He said: "This is an opportunity for Rangers to put whatever’s happened behind them and give encouragement to their supporters.
"Beating Celtic, there no better game to give them confidence going forward and make supporters believe going forward."
The former midfielder also highlighted the importance of leadership within the squad.
He said: "You need men, it must be the same at Celtic.
"You need men in your dressing room to drag the lesser personalities with you.
"Rangers have faced criticism, dealt with it and bounced back, which is encouraging."
With a significant turnover of players this summer, the upcoming Old Firm derby will be the first for several players in the blue jersey.
Souness, who has experienced the intensity of the fixture first-hand, shared his insights on the unique challenge it presents.
He said: "I remember my first Old Firm game. I came here as a serious player who had played at the highest level and in big derby games, but this is a unique game. You have to work that out pretty quickly early on."
The 73-year-old also lamented the absence of away fans, which will continue throughout the season.
He said: "I’ve had people in England—grown men—asking if I could get them tickets for this game. It simply wouldn’t be the same, football isn’t the same without the support."
Despite this, Souness believes the Old Firm game still holds its fierce reputation.
He said: "As a player, though, I loved hostile atmospheres. There’s no bigger or more hostile atmosphere than an Old Firm game, it’s certainly diminished not having the supporters in there.
"If you’re a big player, you love that. You love being booed.
"I’ve was at Sporting Lisbon against Benfica and Galatasaray against Fenerbahçe, which are really hostile environments to work in, but this is the biggest. It’s the most hostile and atmospheric."
